If you’re like most Americans, the joy of the holiday season is somewhat shadowed by a fear that your pants won’t fit come January. Weight gain over the holidays is common, with the average person packing on up to five pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Maintaining your weight can be challenging, but the following tips will help make it easier.
“¢ Have a light snack before heading out to holiday parties to avoid overeating once there. Try taking a fiber supplement, to help support satiety.
“¢Don’t skip meals thinking you can reward yourself with a treat later. Continue to eat three balanced meals every day, including a healthy breakfast.
“¢ Allow yourself to indulge from time to time. Restricting your diet too much may result in loss of control. Try eliminating one holiday indulgence so you can enjoy another. For example, skip the carb-heavy stuffing at dinner so you can have a small slice of pecan pie for dessert.
“¢ Avoid alcoholic beverages, which can be high in empty calories and also impair your ability to control food intake.
“¢ Drink water, bringing your own bottle to parties if necessary. Water will help fill you up while also flushing toxins from your body.
“¢ Get enough sleep. The winter months tend to make people sluggish, which can encourage overeating.
“¢Schedule a time to exercise. Make it a priority to take walks, do yoga, or to get moving in any way you like. Having a friend join you will help you stick with the routine.
“¢ Keep stress in check. Emotional stress often leads to overeating. Talk through problems with friends, or try a natural mood booster.
“¢ Let friends and family know you’re serious about maintaining your weight. Explain that it’s for health reasons and they will be more likely to support your goal.